The term “Uncontested Divorce” means that the parties fully and completely agree on all terms of the divorce. This means no trial is necessary. However, the appropriate paperwork must be filed with the domestic relations judge before the divorce can be finalized.

Uncontested divorce attorneys fees cost less than contested divorces, because only one attorney is necessary to file an uncontested divorce. Also the time expended by the attorney preparing the uncontested divorce papers is minimal compared to the time required to prepare for a divorce trial.

However, just because you save on divorce attorney fees by filing for an uncontested divorce, does not mean it is in your best interest. The fees you pay an attorney to review your situation, could save you thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run. Allow our uncontested divorce attorneys in Gadsden to analyze your assets, and your suggested settlement and advise you if you are getting a good deal. If not, there is still the chance the proposed uncontested settlement agreement can be negotiated to terms more favorable to you. We can assist you in this divorce negotiation process.

Even if you file an uncontested divorce, Alabama law prohibits the parties from remarrying, except to one another, within 60 days of the final divorce decree.

If you are just ready to get your divorce over with, and are looking for the quickest, cheapest divorce route, contact our Gadsden uncontested divorce lawyers Dani V. Bone and Sam Bone a call so they can help you.

What are the benefits of an uncontested divorce?

The majority of the couples who divorce do so via an uncontested divorce. If a couple decides that a divorce is inevitable, an uncontested divorce has many benefits over a contested divorce.

Some of these benefits are:

A better post-divorce Relationship

Reduced Stress

Happier Children

Lower Cost

Uncontested divorces are also much more private than contested divorces. While agreements reached between the two parties are filed with the court and become public record, the disclosures made to one another do not need to be public.

When children are involved, many people who go through an uncontested divorce acknowledge that the money saved can be used to benefit the children. Litigation is extremely expensive, and even a shorter conflicts requiring legal assistance from an attorney can quickly wipe out finances that could have otherwise been used to put children through college.

Beyond cost savings, children also benefit greatly from reduced stress between the parents. Parents who are able to divorce with less stress are great candidates for co-parenting.

What issues must be resolved in an uncontested divorce?

Every divorce must address and answer the following questions:

How will property be divided?

How will debt be divided?

How will child custody be allocated?

How will child support be determined?

How will spousal support/alimony be determined?

Depending on the circumstances of the divorce, these issues might be relatively easy and low-conflict, or they may be difficult and lead to intense conflict.

Can parents of minor children have an uncontested divorce?

Absolutely. Uncontested divorce is possible with or without children, however children do add a significant complication that parents need to consider. Many issues will need to be determined in an uncontested divorce that involves minor children, but a few basic considerations are:

How will physical custody be allocated?

How will legal custody be allocated?

How much child support will be paid?

There are many other questions that need to be answered regarding child custody, but those are best determined by completing a parenting plan together, which can help both parents consider issues that may arise well in advance.

It is important to know that a court will look at child custody decisions by applying the best interest of the child doctrine. This may or may not be what the divorcing couple desires. While in an uncontested, parents have a great deal of control over the situation, the best interest doctrine will still apply.

Big issues must be discussed before acting.

If parents can collaborate on big issues before unilaterally acting, conflict can be significantly less. A court order should address the need for any big decisions that can affect the custody arrangement to be discussed and agreed on before either parent takes any action.

What are some items that divorcing parents should make sure are in a court order?

Parental Relocation

If one parent wants to move out-of-state, the court order may or may not allow it. Children who have parents that live far apart typically suffer more negative effects from divorce than parents that live close and are able to co-parent. Thus, one of the most important clauses that should be in a court order is addressing relocation. Putting a phrase that addresses how far parents can move from the other parent without agreeing on the terms of a move can prevent significant problems in the future.

Joint Legal Custody

Legal custody is the component of child custody that determines who makes decisions about what religion the children will follow, what type of schooling they will receive, what type of medical attention they will receive, and other long-term parental decisions. Generally, divorcing parents do get joint legal custody. This means both parents have an equal say in each of these types of decision.

Joint Physical Custody

If a parent has sole custody of child, they essentially have control. Giving up control to one parent can lead to issues if the noncustodial parent disagrees with decisions that the custodial parent does. By having joint physical custody, neither parent is in a more powerful position than the other. It should be noted that parents can have joint physical custody, but still have unequal time with the children. For example, parents with hint physical custody could have an 80/20 spilt with their time with the children.

Fair Child Support

Child support is best determined when it is negotiated, not imposed. When the divorcing parents are able to mutually come to an agreement about what fair child support is, then there is less likelihood of unpaid child support and less chance of money spent on litigation in the future. It should be noted that even if parents negotiate fair child support, a family court will still likely need to determine whether it passes state child support guidelines.

What happens if the parties cannot agree on terms of the divorce?

When the court reviews the details of the divorce agreement that has been created, either party may object. If an objection occurs, the divorce will become a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, a judge will order the outcome. This is an important distinction between uncontested divorces and contested divorces; in a contested divorce, a judge ultimate decides what is best - not the divorcing couple.

In benefits both parties to work out the details in an uncontested manner, if at all possible. In almost every situation, if the case goes to court, it will cost a significant amount of money for both parties, one or both sides will feel unhappy with the decision, and the conflict will not subside. This last point is especially important for divorcing parents, because in child custody arrangements, conflict between parents often leads to negative side-effects experienced by their children.

Divorcing parents do not end their relationship. They stop living together, but must still parent together, and therefore they are almost forced find ways to work out differences on their own - an enormous challenge for many divorcing couples who were not able to do that while married.

What Our Clients Say?

Check some of our testimonials:

Dani Bone has handled several cases for me personally and for my business. His success rate is incredible. Dani's knowledge of the law, energy and sense of urgency makes him an excellent Attorney. He is a "Bull Dog " in the courtroom. If you need an Attorney, I highly recommend Dani Bone.

Gary

Dani V. Bone is the Lawyer to call if you want an ATTORNEY that takes pride in the work they do...definitely the BEST ATTORNEYS IN ETOWAH COUNTY, Dani now works along side with is son Sam Bone whose passion is following in his father's foot steps... A big pair of shoes to fill, but he is definitely filling them well. I'd recommend them to anyone!!